It’s a quiet place away from the noise of life, exactly what you would expect at the Wilderness Center.

But something’s happening. Under the rich soil, some 40 people are giving the ultimate giveback. They are buried naturally in the 43 acres of Foxfield Preserve burial grounds, which began selling plots in 2009.

As Americans make an effort to be more environmentally friendly in their daily lives, recent studies are showing the ideology is moving beyond organic food and recycle bins. A reader poll by AARP asked its readers what type of burial — traditional cemetery, cremation or “green” — is most appealing. More than 70 percent opted for a “green burial,” which is Foxfield’s specialty.

Typical of a Foxfield family is Ken Buzzelli of Brecksville. He buried his wife, Laura, there four years ago.

“Laura learned of it by word of mouth. It fit her philosophy of life — natural ways,” he said. “Foxfield is peaceful, an oasis that encourages tranquil thoughts and fond memories. I thank Laura for bringing me to such a wonderful place.”

“Our burials are similar to those before the Civil War — no embalming, no concrete boxes. The body is returned to the earth,” said preserve steward, Sara Starr. “Then came the Civil War, and bodies were embalmed with toxic chemicals. They had to bring them home. It became a popular practice,” she said.

She added the Amish who live nearby still practice natural burials in their own burial plots.

Most of the burials are prearranged, Starr said. “It’s easier going through a funeral home for the paperwork but not a requirement.”

The cost, depending on services, is $3,200. A person comes to your home and prepares the body, then transports it to Foxfield. Services are held at the 41⁄2-foot-deep grave. If you wish, you may help with the burial.

“There’s a lot of value here. Families are getting a service that they believe in,” Starr said.

Funerals are all about closure, but these go further.

“It returns something biodegradable to the earth. It’s a giveback,” Starr said. A simple shroud over the body is all that’s needed.

“We don’t bury anything that is not bio-degradable.

“More people are now in tune with the environment. The body breaks down and provides nutrients to new growing things,” she said.

Profits go to the Wilderness Center. Foxfield is the only natural burial ground operated by a nature preserve.

Preplanning for burial

According to AARP, 34 percent of the population older than 50 has engaged in some preplanning for a funeral or burial, and 23 percent have prepaid at least a portion of funeral or burial expenses for themselves or someone else.